Internship Program

Intern and Practicum Placements

The YWCA Counseling and Referral
Center works cooperatively with colleges and universities to provide masters-level social work
and counseling students a well-rounded clinical experience. Students typically
receive 15 hours of training, carry a case-load, complete intake assessments,
attend individual and group supervision, conduct research and co-facilitate
groups.

The bachelor-level internship
is more generalist and offers students the opportunity to develop case-management,
advocacy, outreach, group facilitation, research, and administrative and
planning skills.

We regularly collaborate with The University of Texas at Austin,
St. Edward's University, Texas State University, and The University of Texas at
San Antonio. We anticipate fostering relationships with other universities and
colleges as students express an interest.

Clinical Volunteers

The YWCA counseling and referral
center accepts people with LPC-Is and LMSWs working towards completing their
clinical hours for advanced licensure. Clinical volunteers formulate a plan
with their supervisor, carry an on-going caseload, co-facilitate groups, and
attend individual and group supervision.

Community Volunteers

From time to time, the YWCA counseling and referral center accepts
volunteers to help with administrative projects, research, group facilitation,
advocacy, and workshops.

Supervision

Within the YWCA counseling and referral center program,
students, clinical volunteers, and community volunteers work under the supervision
of the Clinical Director, the Clinical Supervisor, or a Lead Counselor. They
receive individual and group supervision on a weekly basis.

TO APPLY

If you are a professor or student interested in the social
work/counseling intern/practicum program, or if you are interested in the
clinical or community volunteer positions, please contact Laura Gomez-Horton,
LCSW, Clinical Director at 512.326.1222orlaura@ywcaaustin.org.

THEORETICAL APPROACH

The YWCRC takes the theoretical perspective embraced by Relational
Cultural theory, an especially useful approach with women and one that is
sensitive to cultural differences as well.

The approach originated from the idea that women's psychological
development is different from what prevailed in clinical thinking in the
mid-1970s, where most conclusions about development were based on men's
experience. A group of women at the Stone Center at Wellesley College studied,
worked, and concluded that women's sense of self develops in and through their
relationships, and that women's health is related to elements of mutual empathy
and mutual empowerment in their relationships. This approach encompasses the
impact of culture and socialization, often in dominance and subordination
practices, as vital and critical to understanding each client. YW counselors
are trained in the basics of this perspective and encouraged to study further.

The YWCA has been an enthusiastic partner with the Somatic
Experiencing Training Institute in the dissemination in Austin of this very
promising approach to dealing with trauma. Several counselors have been fully
trained in this approach, and all counselors are provided with basic grounding
techniques to help clients who experience PTSD manage intense activation. We
have discovered that at least 75% of our clients have experienced some form of
trauma, and this approach has been very helpful for clients in settling their
nervous systems from extreme anxiety.